Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
With new IEEE Ethernet standard, old cables learn new tricks
The new IEEE Ethernet standard offers some much-needed flexibility for network managers trying to keep up with skyrocketing bandwidth demand while working under long refresh cycles that prevent frequent rip-and-replace upgrades. With 802.3bz, or ... Continue Reading
NBASE-T switches help organizations 'futureproof' networks
Early adopters are turning to the new IEEE Ethernet standard, 802.3bz, to help ensure their wireless networks can meet the bandwidth demands of tomorrow. Continue Reading
With NBASE-T Ethernet switches, repurpose the cabling you already have
As the demand for bandwidth continues to mushroom, new NBASE-T Ethernet switches help network managers get higher data speeds out of their existing cables. Continue Reading
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The good, bad and the ugly of software-defined networking security
Software-defined networking security has both good and bad potential. It can benefit route connectivity, but it also presents risk linked to improper SDN controller implementation. Continue Reading
How to leverage UDP port scanning as a security scanning tool
UDP port scanning isn't as robust as TCP port scanning, but there are steps you can take to include the technique as a security scanning tool. Continue Reading
Network trends include new hardware role in a virtual era
Network trends that enterprise IT pros must consider include rethinking the role of hardware in today's virtualized, software-defined services architecture.Continue Reading
Will edge routers be replaced as SD-WAN growth continues?
SD-WAN growth is affecting the edge router market, according to Gartner forecasts. Network expert Andrew Froehlich discusses whether or not SD-WAN will replace edge routers.Continue Reading
Network management platforms address big enterprises, ISPs
The leading network availability monitoring tools troubleshoot networks deployed in big enterprises, as well as within service-provider environments that manage multiple domains.Continue Reading
Net neutrality explained: The idea is simple, but appearances deceive
Net neutrality explained: The concept is back in play. And although its goals seem simple, reality is more complicated.Continue Reading
Software networking supports wide range of deployment use cases
Software networking includes elements of SDN, NFV and network virtualization, which have taken the industry by storm; it also supports advances like 5G wireless and hybrid cloud.Continue Reading
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Exploring availability monitoring tools for larger networks
The leading enterprise network monitoring tools offer a variety of features, licensing, support and maintenance options designed for medium and larger network environments.Continue Reading
What's the difference between NFV automation and NFV orchestration?
NFV automation is the ability to transfer manual network configuration to technology; NFV orchestration creates the deployment and automation blueprint.Continue Reading
New year, new WAN: SD-WAN adoption takes off
More and more enterprises are using software-defined networking principles in the wide area network, with industry experts predicting that SD-WAN adoption will skyrocket in 2017. In fact, some top analysts expect the market to grow as much as 90% ...Continue Reading
From consultant to enterprise network engineer: How to make the switch
Learn how one former network design consultant made a major career change, leaving her position at a vendor and landing her dream job in the enterprise.Continue Reading
Windows Server 2016 networking embraces SDN
Microsoft's new Windows Server 2016 networking capabilities have grown to support SDN, virtual network functions and hybrid cloud.Continue Reading
Open source network software promises major industry shifts
Let the disruption commence! Observers say it's high time the networking sector accepts and sorts out open source, arguing it's not a question of if enterprises use it, but how.Continue Reading
Viptela SD-WAN technology transforms major healthcare network
In this software-defined WAN case study, Kindred Healthcare says Viptela SD-WAN technology has made its network more agile and less expensive to deploy and manage.Continue Reading
Cisco IWAN architecture case study: Manufacturer embraces SD-WAN
MTD Products credits the Cisco IWAN architecture with cutting costs and improving performance in the wide area network, ultimately leading to an increase in employee productivity.Continue Reading
SD-WAN adoption: Exxon Mobil deploys Cybera technology
In this case study, learn how SD-WAN adoption dramatically simplified a major oil company's wide area network while improving security and increasing flexibility.Continue Reading
SD-WAN vendors enjoy rave reviews from happy users
Compared to data center SDN companies, SD-WAN vendors seem to have it easy, with a relative slew of satisfied customers eager to share their deployment stories.Continue Reading
Assessing network availability monitoring tools for SMBs, larger networks
Learn what features, licensing, support and maintenance options the leading performance and availability monitoring tools offer to SMBs and larger networks.Continue Reading
Why OSPF isn't your best option when using DMVPN Phase 3
Cisco's DMVPN Phase 3 protocol offers many benefits, but make sure you evaluate options before using Open Shortest Path First.Continue Reading
Virtual wire network transport mission could increase SDN usage
SDN's use as virtual wire to provide network transport could get the technology out of the data center to underlay SD-WAN better than Ethernet or IP and benefit optical networks.Continue Reading
API growth forcing vendors to take notice or risk losing out
The API is fast becoming a must-have in modern networking. But API growth is forcing vendors to rethink how they want their devices to be configured and managed.Continue Reading
The best path to a hybrid cloud network architecture
There are a variety of paths that lead to a hybrid cloud network architecture. Learn whether SD-WAN, WAN cloud exchange or some other option is best for your enterprise network.Continue Reading
SDN can help unify wired and wireless campus networks
Campus networks can be difficult to manage, especially with the continuing need to unify Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks. But SDN's centralized approach can improve security and QoS.Continue Reading
Chit chat: The new team collaboration apps go mainstream
Gone are the days of dial-up internet and ubiquitous AOL accounts, when Meg Ryan had mail and no one owned a smartphone. Yet, many years and seven iPhone generations later, email -- for all its frustrations and shortcomings -- still reigns as the ...Continue Reading
Two factors affecting the deployment pace of SDN and NFV technologies
Service providers deploy SDN and NFV technologies at different paces for two main reasons: issues with the organization's business case and slow-going standards progress.Continue Reading
Will NFV standards address orchestration in the near future?
NFV standards for orchestration are affected by the number of standards groups and service providers' individual approaches, says SDN expert Lee Doyle.Continue Reading
Advanced network monitoring aids SDN deployments
IT professionals can reach their advanced network monitoring goals with the aid of SDN deployments.Continue Reading
Four infrastructure technologies to watch in 2017
Enterprises have a lot to consider when evaluating the infrastructure technologies to deploy in the next 12 months. Which ones will make the grade?Continue Reading
SDN poised to play major role in 5G networks
Fifth-generation, or 5G, networks promise increased wireless capacity and speed with reduced latency. SDN architecture can help improve performance and scalability.Continue Reading
Is it hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN, or does SD-WAN help implement hybrid WAN?
Expert Lee Doyle tackles the issue of hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN. Although the technologies are separate, SD-WAN can make hybrid WAN deployment and operation easier.Continue Reading
The ups and downs, ins and outs, of cloud application delivery
Cloud application delivery is a pressing concern in IT operations today.
Whether enterprise applications live in a private or public cloud, enterprise IT is still responsible for making sure employees can access the apps they need -- end of ...Continue Reading
Carriers meet need for scalable, secure cloud network services
As hyperscale providers like AWS dominate the cloud, carriers find their role in secure cloud network services for organizations in need of cloud connections.Continue Reading
All about the evolution of Ethernet: How we got to GbE speeds
The evolution of Ethernet continues and is offering up new tricks. Ethernet serves as an essential networking protocol, addressing each new set of networking challenges that comes along. Whether it's next-generation gigabit Wi-Fi or modern data ...Continue Reading
MPLS routing undergoes change, as SD-WAN gains traction
Enterprises are seeing cost-efficiencies as they transition their wide area networks to SD-WAN. What does this mean to MPLS routing?Continue Reading
Gigabit Ethernet speeds: What's the impact of 2.5 and 5 GbE?
Gigabit Ethernet speeds mean enterprises can boost wireless performance without actually replacing wiring. But there are still some considerations sys admins must makeContinue Reading
Using BLE beacons and Wi-Fi technology for device tracking
BLE beacons and Wi-Fi technology promise enormous potential for accuracy in location and tracking of wireless devices. But is one option better than the other?Continue Reading
From Sonnet 18 to SD-WAN technology: An unlikely networking career
From teaching Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 to taking on a major SD-WAN technology deployment: Senior engineer Phil Gervasi shares the major career pivot that brought him to networking.Continue Reading
White-box switches save green, but they aren't for everyone
While some networking pros say white-box switching is the 'next big thing,' others argue that's a myth that needs busting. As usual, enterprises must consider the business case.Continue Reading
Integrate UC platform with business-critical SaaS for competitive edge
By one current estimate, the average business operates across six different clouds. With many software-as-a-service platforms still unable to communicate with each other, enterprise workers must straddle the space between them -- leading to ...Continue Reading
Defining SD-WAN benefits: Does better QoE make the list?
The list of SD-WAN benefits often includes cost savings and better routing; does it also include better quality of experience compared to a traditional WAN?Continue Reading
How to choose an IT operations analytics tool for your enterprise
IT environments are extremely complex today and the amount of data they generate is immense. On top of this, IT environments are also constantly changing, and it is this combination of complexity and change that can make troubleshooting difficult ...Continue Reading
Identifying the IT operations analytics product your enterprise needs
This guide to IT operations analytics tools explains how ITOA works so networking pros can determine the most important features and assess vendor offerings.Continue Reading
Juniper launches hybrid cloud network services on Amazon
Juniper Networks is offering its MX router and SRX firewall on the Amazon cloud. Hybrid cloud network services are available on the Amazon Marketplace.Continue Reading
Four top products leading the way in multicloud management
In this multicloud review, see the top multicloud management products. How do they approach different cloud environments, and what separates them from each other?Continue Reading
A comparison of the leading campus LAN switch vendors
Expert Andrew Froehlich examines the factors that will ultimately help you determine which campus LAN switch vendors and types are most suitable for your environment.Continue Reading
Three advances making NFV deployments better for the business
NFV deployments made progress this year, thanks to three significant developments, but will they be enough to make NFV's business case more compelling among other industry changes?Continue Reading
Seven criteria to consider before evaluating campus LAN switches
Before you begin researching specific vendors and campus LAN switch types, take the time to understand the requirements and capabilities you need.Continue Reading
Cloud-based networking meets changing infrastructure needs
A growing number of network managers have their heads in the cloud, and that's a good thing. Cloud-based networking technologies are emerging to help solve a number of enterprise problems, and organizations are busy exploring what "the networked ...Continue Reading
What SD-WAN architecture is best for your network?
When looking for the right SD-WAN architecture to implement, it's important to consider your specific network and the traffic it experiences.Continue Reading
WAN access options multiply when buying network services
A new menu of WAN access options means companies have a wide variety of means to reach cloud and network services. But more choice also means more potential pitfalls.Continue Reading
Advanced network technology expands enterprise options
Buying network services may have been easier in the past when there were fewer --and more expensive -- types of connections. But now, advanced network technology gives enterprises many more options. When it comes to buying bandwidth and getting the ...Continue Reading
Do I need campus switches in my enterprise?
The role of campus switches depends on the demands of your organization. What are the important considerations to help you make the right choice on whether or not to deploy them?Continue Reading
Next-gen 5G wireless technology means capacity is key
New wireless generations roll out almost every decade. What does the upcoming 5G wireless technology have to offer, and how is it different from previous generations?Continue Reading
Successful SD-WAN use cases begin with knowing your options
We'll keep things simple: Software-defined WAN simplifies the WAN; enterprises aiming for successful SD-WAN use cases need simplified options; and, in this video, Nemertes Research analyst John Burke simplifies SD-WAN.Continue Reading
The evolution of campus LAN switches in the enterprise
The campus LAN switch is a fundamental component of networking. There is a lot to know about the roles these switches play in a modern enterprise network.Continue Reading
CN Tower climbs heights with mobile engagement platform
The CN Tower, Canada's tallest building, implements an Aruba mobile engagement platform to connect with customers.Continue Reading
Pervasive security is needed to protect modern networks
Pervasive security in place of layered security is needed to secure and defend modern networks from diverse cyber threats.Continue Reading
NFV vs. VNF: What's the difference?
NFV versus VNF: SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu explains the differences between network functions virtualization and virtual network functions.Continue Reading
CCIE certification debate continues despite exam's SDN, cloud updates
Despite Cisco's recent CCIE exam update -- with a new section covering network programmability, IoT and cloud -- some pros still say the gold standard has lost its luster.Continue Reading
Data center interconnect market: Enterprises, providers fuel growth
The data center interconnect market is poised for significant growth, thanks to a number of factors altering the IT landscape -- including the growing use of cloud services, the massive proliferation of data, the increasing adoption of ...Continue Reading
Three technologies to increase the benefits of SDN and NFV
Service modeling and orchestration, SD-WAN and open source are the three technologies gaining traction to increase the value and benefits of SDN and NFV.Continue Reading
The white box switching market gets a closer look
Following years of development, is the potential of the white box switching market finally being realized?Continue Reading
Is satellite connectivity a realistic option for WANs?
What you should know about satellite connectivity, satellite internet, and the costs and benefits of universally available links.Continue Reading
What advantages will 400 Gigabit Ethernet bring to the data center?
What are the use cases and advantages of 400 Gigabit Ethernet in the modern data center?Continue Reading
SD-WAN architecture: What to know before you buy
The hybrid WAN is here and this guide explains how to buy and build an SD-WAN architecture. Learn about key features and 'nice to haves' before you approach vendors and make an acquisition decision.Continue Reading
Picking the best software-defined wide area network product
The traditional hardware-driven wide area network was slow and expensive. It was just a matter of time -- and technology -- before the software-defined wide area network became a reality. The arrival of the SD-WAN, vendors said, means all that ...Continue Reading
Understanding SDN components and where they're going
What is SDN, and how does it differ from NFV? In part two of this series, IT expert Andrew Froehlich explains SDN technologies and where we can expect to see them in the future.Continue Reading
How to buy the best application delivery controller for your firm
An application delivery controller (ADC) sits between you and the web server farm to manage the traffic between you and any number of back-end servers. In other words, app delivery controllers control the delivery of the web application to you -- ...Continue Reading
Four steps to make SDN and NFV proof-of-concept trials meaningful
The results of SDN and NFV proof-of-concept trials can advance network deployments, but they often fall short. Check out four steps that can make POC trials more meaningful.Continue Reading
On-premises services and cloud compete at network edges
As organizations are pushed to move services from on premises to the cloud, the focus shifts to network edges.Continue Reading
LAN SDN management looks to the cloud and causes LAN ghost towns
Future campus LAN SDN management will be needed to deal with LAN applications that have migrated to the cloud, creating on-premises network ghost towns.Continue Reading
BGP routing joining OpenFlow in software-defined networks
Border Gateway Protocol is an internet essential, and BGP routing may be taking on a bigger role in software-defined networking, displacing OpenFlow to manage SDN packet flow.Continue Reading
Laying the foundation for a virtualized network infrastructure
SDN, NFV and VNF: Don't get bogged down with these hot-topic terms. In part one of this series, IT expert Andrew Froehlich discusses how and whether you should implement virtualized functions in your enterprise.Continue Reading
A comprehensive review of network performance monitors
Network performance monitors play a crucial role in today's data centers. In this guide, expert Andrew Froehlich helps you purchase the right monitoring foundation for your organization.Continue Reading
Building SD-WAN architecture into your world
SD-WAN architecture opened up a whole new world of WAN possibilities. Learn all about this new networking technology, the ways to craft an SD-WAN in your enterprise, key terms and more.Continue Reading
Exploring the ins and outs of enterprise hardware pricing
Cloud computing has changed how businesses buy technology. How does the age of SaaS affect enterprise hardware pricing?Continue Reading
What to know about choosing a vCPE platform
Service providers are opting for virtual CPE and its resulting benefits, but choosing the right vCPE platform is essential to get the most out of it.Continue Reading
Why network operations efficiency should drive technology change
If the systems responsible for network operations efficiency and automation were driving telecom technology upgrades, the savings might just pay for SDN and NFV deployments.Continue Reading
How segment routing could be a boon to SDN
Segment routing could prove to be a compelling alternative to OpenFlow, but more work needs to be done before it becomes a mainstream technology.Continue Reading
The benefits of the 802.11ad standard shouldn't be overlooked
The other WLAN standard, 802.11ad, will bring even more flexibility and opportunities to enterprises, but the specification also comes with some challenges.Continue Reading
Comparing cable types: Fiber vs. copper twisted pair
What's the difference in fiber vs. copper cables? Key differences include cost, speed and more when it comes to fiber optic and copper twisted-pair cabling options.Continue Reading
CCIE exams: Still worth it?
Jedadiah Casey had been studying for the CCIE exams for months when he found himself asking whether the certification is even relevant in the SDN era. His answer: Absolutely.Continue Reading
ScienceLogic EM7: Network performance monitor overview
ScienceLogic EM7 is still a newcomer to the network performance monitoring market, but it offers flexible deployment options, including VMs and software-as-a-service installations.Continue Reading
Viavi Observer: Network performance monitor overview
With deployable hardware and software probes, Viavi Observer is known as one of the most robust network performance monitors in the market today.Continue Reading
Learn what metrics matter in a hybrid cloud delivery model
Discovering the ins and outs of a hybrid cloud delivery model can be challenging. Fortunately, metrics may be able to help.Continue Reading
Cisco network monitor product overview
Cisco Prime has been on the network performance monitoring market for over five years. Networking expert Andrew Froehlich takes a deeper dive into the Cisco network monitor, Prime.Continue Reading
Riverbed SteelCentral product overview
Riverbed SteelCentral is one of the most prominent network performance monitoring systems on the market today. Networking expert Andrew Froehlich takes a deeper dive into its features.Continue Reading
Infosim StableNet network monitoring product overview
The Infosim StableNet network performance monitor offers a variety of features, including support for telecommunications providers and an embedded hardware agent.Continue Reading
HPE Network Node Manager product overview
HPE Network Node Manager comes with a wide range of plug-ins, including monitoring for IP telephony, multicast deployments and quality assurance departments.Continue Reading
Types of network cables: An introduction to network cabling
Different types of networking cables are the backbone of a network's infrastructure. Selecting the right type is critical, as enterprise network admins deploy new technologies.Continue Reading
How to buy the best application delivery controller for your firm
Application delivery controllers have advanced in ways that make ADCs more useful for a wider range of companies than ever before. This guide outlines what you need to know in order to buy the best application delivery controller for your company.Continue Reading
What is the difference between bit rate and baud rate?
Learn how to understand the difference between bit rate and baud rate in this expert answer.Continue Reading
SolarWinds NPM product overview
SolarWinds NPM system supports a wide range of features, among them data flow collection, server and application monitoring, and quality of service for enterprise VoIP suites.Continue Reading
SevOne monitoring suite product overview
SevOne monitoring products, such as the Performance Application Solution, scale to the environment size. The PAS appliance can monitor up to 200,000 network devices.Continue Reading
How to choose the right next-gen network migration option
Network operators planning next-generation network migrations need to choose from layered, geographic and service-oriented approaches, or a combo platter that meets their needs.Continue Reading
High-speed wireless access: Fact or fiction?
High-speed wireless access is all the rage, but one user cautions against buying into the 802.11ac hype. Yes, it's progress, but not as much as you might think.Continue Reading
CA UIM network performance monitor: product overview
CA Technologies' network performance monitoring products include CA UIM, which supports a variety of features, including network performance and availability management.Continue Reading